Robust Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic Sponge for Effective Continuous Absorption and Expulsion of Oil Pollutants from Water

Abstract

With the growth of oil production and transportation, there is greater potential for accidental oil spills. Here we fabricated a robust superhydrophobic and superoleophilic carbon nanotube/poly(dimethylsiloxane)-coated polyurethane sponge for the continuous absorption and expulsion of oils and organic solvents from water surfaces. When applied in conjunction with a vacuum system, this sponge could separate great amounts of oils-up to 35000 times its own weight-from water in a one-step process and could also separate surfactant-free water-in-oil emulsions with high efficiency (oil purity: >99.97 wt %), making it a promising candidate material for use in oil-spill cleanups.

Efficient extraction and detection of aromatic toxicants from crude oil and tar balls using multiple cyclodextrin derivatives

“…[13][14][15] We have developed a new approach for the cleanup of oil spills in marine environments that focuses on the removal of aromatic toxicants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 16 The removal of PAHs is particularly important because many of these compounds are known carcinogens or pro-carcinogens, 17 including the Class I carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (Chart 1, compound 3).…”

Recent Progress of Polyurethane-Based Materials for Oil/Water Separation

“…In this review, we called all these methods as dip-coating methods. [58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67] Dip-coating method is a simple and convenient method in the modi¯cation of PU foams for oil/water separation. First of all, nanoparticles are used to increase the surface roughness in the preparation of PU-based materials for oil/water separation.…”

“…[62][63][64] For example, Wang et al 64 fabricated a robust superhydrophobic/superoleophilic carbon nanotube (CNT)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-coated PU foam for the continuous absorption of oils and organic solvents from water surfaces. When applied in conjunction with a vacuum system, this sponge could separate great amounts of oils up to 35,000 times its own weight from water in a one-step process [ Fig.…”

Vibrations and Spatial Patterns Change Effective Wetting Properties of Superhydrophobic and Regular Membranes

“…If one of the phases in oil-water mixture is dispersed in the other as small droplets (smaller than the pore size) the meshes become ineffective. Hydrophobic porous media has been developed for separation of oil-water emulsions with and without surfactants [41][42][43][44]. Table 1 summarizes the literature which discusses various types of oil-water filtering membranes.…”